In some cases, user32.dll errors could indicate a registry problem, a virus or malware issue, or even a hardware failure.
User32.dll Errors
There are several ways user32.dll errors can show up on your computer. Here are some of the more common messages you might see:
User32.dll Not FoundThis application failed to start because user32.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problemCannot find [PATH]\user32.dllThe file user32.dll is missingCannot start [APPLICATION]. A required component is missing: user32.dll. Please install [APPLICATION] again
These error messages might appear while using or installing certain programs, when Windows starts or shuts down, or maybe even during a Windows installation. The context of the error is an important piece of information that will be helpful while solving the problem.
How to Fix User32.dll Errors
Work through these steps in the order they’re presented, which starts with easier solutions:
Need More Help?
If you’re not interested in fixing this problem yourself, see our article How Do I Get My Computer Fixed? for a full list of your support options, plus help with everything along the way like figuring out repair costs, getting your files off, choosing a repair service, and a lot more. If you suspect that this has happened, but you’ve already emptied the Recycle Bin, you might be able to recover the file with a free file recovery program. Just makes sure you deleted the file (not your antivirus program), and that it was working properly before you did that. If you’re not sure which program showed the error, enter the tasklist /m User32.dll command in Command Prompt to get a list of all the programs that are currently using user32.dll. One of them might ring a bell and point you to the program you should try reinstalling. If the hardware fails any of your tests, replace the memory or replace the hard drive as soon as possible.
